Ever wondered why the blankets provided by the Indian railways during train journey stink at times? It may be because these are washed only once every two months.

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour today that while bedsheets, bed roll and pillow covers are washed every day, the blankets are washed every two months.

His reply came to questions raised by various members of the Upper House regarding the quality and hygiene of laundry and linen supplied by the Indian Railways on trains.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari quipped that the earlier system of passengers bringing their own linen and pillows for train journeys seems to be better.

He was supported by a Congress MP who asked the Minister if this would be allowed.

In response, Sinha said it was a “good advice” and the Railways will not have a problem if passengers want to adopt the earlier practice.

The Minister pointed out that while they have 41 mechanised laundries, plans are underway to increase their number by 25 more in the next two years so that these can serve about 85 percent of the passengers who use Railway linen and bed sheets.

He pointed out that in places which are not covered by the mechanised laundries, the job has been outsourced.

What unhygienic govt should be ashamed for this must be causing many sicknesses

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Karunakar

Mar 19, 2016 at 2:22 am

These blankets are provided with extra cotton sheets covers which are very clean. It is not required to clean the blankets daily. One also has to have the sense of how to use stuff. As far as linen cleanliness is concerned Indian railway is doing the best service. Great job

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Lakshmy

Feb 27, 2016 at 4:47 pm

Most irresponsible.why should you provide if you cannot clean it?this is unpardonable and so deserve punishment

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Neutral

Feb 27, 2016 at 9:19 am

simple: don't use blanket, carry own! but i now feeling filthy, how I used others used blanked! che..che.. thats why I got irritation on back, still it continues !

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Asha Saigal

Feb 28, 2016 at 7:48 am

Look, even the pillow covers and sheets are not provided washed on trains now a days. I protested many times. They said it's by order.